Power lift attachment for tractors or the like



Jan. 17, 1950 J. J. SIMMONDS 2,495,143

POWER LIFT ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTORS OR THE LIKE Filed June 4, 1945 4Shets-Sheet l INVENTOR Jamhwnm ATTORN bYS Jan. 17, 1950 J. J. SIMMONDSPOWER LIFT ATTACHMENT'FOR TRACTORS OR THE LIKE 4 SheetsSheet 2 FiledJune 4, 1 945 I N \f E N Tb R 10/117 J. 5077020012 Jan. 17, 1950 J. J.SIMMONDS 2,495,143

POWER LIFT ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTORS OR THE LIKE Filed June 4, 1945 4Sheets-Sheet s Jan. 17, 1950 J. J. SIMMONDS POWER LIFT ATTACHMENT FORTRACTORS OR THE LIKE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 4. 1945 ATTORN EYSPatented Jan. 17, 1950 POWER LIFT ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTORS OR THE LIKEJohn J. Simmonds, Lawrence, Kana, assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Deal-born Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich., acorporation of Dela- Application June 4, 1945, Serial No. 597,501

1 This invention relates to improvements in power lift attachments fortractors or the like, and more particularly to hydraulically operatedpower shovels, sweeps and the like for handling dirt, hay, or othersubstances. I

The principal objects of the invention are to provide a device formounting upon a tractor or the like comprising a framework structure ofsubstantially A truss construction of welded steel tubing adapted tocarry a liquid for hydraulically operating the structure; to provide anattachment which comprises a frame and a vertically swingable liftingelement which may be mounted on and removed from the tractor as a unit;to provide a device embodying means for conveniently controlling thenecessary operations in its use from the driver's seat of the tractor;to provide a device having a relatively high vertical lift in order toelevate the load carried to the desired point for deposit; to provide aframe construction so that the tractor may be driven into the frame andthe construction attached thereto or detached therefrom in a convenientmanner; to provide a device which exerts a straight line push againstthe rear axle of the tractor; to provide a device having a straightvertical lift of the load carrier; and to provide a construction of thischaracter which is simple and compact in construction, efficient inoperation and which may be manufactured at relatively low cost.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the present invention, Ihave provided improved details of structure, the preferred form of whichis illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of my invention with the bucket or othermaterialcarrying element detached therefrom.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a bucket adapted to be carried by theframe construction, particularly adapted for use in handling dirt,fertilizer or the like.

Fig. 3 is a side view of my invention showing the bucket attachedthereto.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the bucket in elevatedposition.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view of the main frame construction showing theliquid carried by the tubing comprising the frame.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross section of the top of the main frameshowing pivoting of the loading boom thereon.

Fig. 7 is a further form of my invention particularly illustrating afork for handling hay or the like.

6 Claims. (Cl. 214-140) Fig. 8 is a further form of my inventionparticularly illustrating a pickup device for handling heavy objects,such as boxes, crated goods or the like.

Fig. 9 is a further form of my invention particularly illustrating a haysweep attachment for picking up hay from the field and elevating it to aplace of deposit on a stack or other desired place.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

I designates a tractor adapted for carrying a frame constructionembodying the features of my invention which comprises a main frame 2 ofsubstantially A truss construction and a loading boom 3, also ofsubstantially A truss construction, the main frame and loading boomassembly being so constructed that the tractor may be driven under theframework for attachment of the construction to the tractor for use aslater described.

Adapted for attachment to the rear axle 4 of a tractor by cap screws 5or the like are angle iron brackets 6 and I which carry the rear of themain frame construction. The forward end of the construction may beattached to the side frame of the tractor by suitable brackets 8 and 9,by bolts III, or other suitable means.

The main frame construction 2 consists of tubes I I and I2 having theirlower ends welded or otherwise secured to the brackets 6 and I, thetubes extending upwardly and forwardly and having their upper endssecured to a cross tube I3 by welding or other suitable means, the crosstube l3 being adapted to receive a tube I3 for pivotal attachment of theloading boom assembly, as later described. Welded or otherwise securedto the forward side of the tube I3 are downwardly and forwardlyextending tubes I4 and I5 having their lower ends secured by welding orother suitable means to outwardly extending arms iii of the brackets 8and 9. The tubes II, I2, I4, and I5 are adapted to contain the fluid foroperating the hydraulic lifting mechanism, as later described.

I also preferably provide a U-shaped tube I6 having its free endsconnected to the tubes II and I2, as indicated at I! (Fig. 1), theU-shaped tube extending forwardly and having connection by welding orotherwise to the tubes I4 and I5, as indicated at H, for circulation ofthe fluid to the respective tubes.

The loading boom is also preferably made of tubing comprising uprightsI8 and I9 having their upper ends rigidly secured by welding orotherwise to short tubing 20 (Fig. 6) adapted to fit over the ends ofthe tube I3, which ends ex- 3 tend beyond the tube i3, as bestillustrated in Fig. 5, and their lower ends connected to longitudinalmembers 2| and 22, as indicated at 23 (Fig. 1). I preferably rigidlysecure the short tubing to the tubing l3 by welding or other suitablemeans so that when the boom is lifted, the tube l3 will revolve in tubel3.

Also rigidly secured to the cross short tubing 20 by welding or othersuitable means are forwardly extending tube members 24 and connected attheir forward ends by a cross member 26. I also provide bracin members21 and 28 extending from the rear end of the members 2| and 22 tosubstantially the centers of the members 24 and 25 to lend rigidity tothe loading boom construction.

It will be noted from the foregoing that the loading boom constructionis pivotally carried by the cross tube l3, the tube I3 being looselyfitted in the tube l3 to allow sufficient lubrication.

The brackets 6 and 1 are provided on their forward faces with ears 29and 36. Pivotally connected to the cars by pins or the like 3| arecylinders 32 and 33 extending parallel with the framework constructionand adapted to receive pistons 34 (Fig. 4) having their outer endsadapted to be pivotally connected to rearwardly extending cars 35carried by the horizontal members 2| and 22 on the loading boomconstruction.

Rigidly secured to the forward ends of the tube members 24 and 25, asindicated at 36, is a yoke member 31 comprising side arms 36 and a crossbar 39 adapted to receive a bucket or other material lifting device 40.The bucket has sides 4| and 42 provided with openings 43 and 44 adaptedto register with openings 45 in the outer ends of the arms 38 adapted toreceive pins 46 provided with openings 41 for fastening the bucket inthe yoke by cotter pins or the like 49. It will be noted the openings 48are spaced so that a cotter key may be inserted therein on the outsideof the ends 42 and 43 of the bucket and another on the inside thereof toretain the bucket pivotally in the yoke 37. The form of the bucket shownin Fig. 2 is particularly adapted for handling of dirt, fertilizer, orthe like and is provided with a plurality of prongs 50 secured to thebottom of the bucket by any suitable means and extending forwardlythereof, as illustrated The loading boom is provided with latchingmechanism for dumping the bucket or other material lifting device whichpreferably comprises a lever 5| having one end pivotally secured to thecross bar 26, as indicated at 52. Pivotally secured to the opposite endof the arm 5| is a wire line or the like 53 which extends substantiallyparallel with the tube member 24 and extends through an opening in anoutwardly extending lug 54 carried by the short tube 20 (Fig. 1) havingits opposite end connected to a lever 55. Pivotally secured tosubstantially the center of the lever 5| is a latch member 56 extendingthrough a sleeve 51 rigidly secured to the cross arm 38 of the yoke 31.The bucket is provided with a reinforcing bar 58 provided with a slot 59adapted to be engaged by the latch 56 when the bucket is loaded withmaterial to be elevated to prevent tipping or tilting of the bucketuntil the material is elevated to the desired position, as laterdescribed.

Referring specifically to Fig. 5 of the drawings, it will be noted thatsuch figure particularly illustrates the main frame for containing thefluid to be supplied to the hydraulic cylinder or ram and I preferablyprovide vents 60' near the top of the tube members I I, |2, l4 and Itfor relief of air pressure in the framework structure.

Carried by the main framework 2 is a pump 6| adapted for supplying fluidpressure to the cylinders. The pumpis driven from the power unit orengine by means of a pulley 62 through a belt 63. 64 designates acontrol valve having a conduit 64a leading to the tube H, and 66designates a tube connecting the valve with the pump 6|. The pump 6|also has fluid connection with the tube ll through conduit 61. AU-shaped fluid conduit 68 has its free ends re- 'spectively connected tothe rear ends of the cylinders or rams, as indicated at 10 (Fig. 5),provides passage of fluid to the cylinders 32 and 33 on the respectivesides of the frame structure through a conduit 65 connecting with valve64. By manipulating the valve 64 through lever II and arm 12, the fluidpressure may be passed to or released from the cylinder. The cylinders32 and 33 are provided with the usual packing glands 13.

I also preferably provide flexible tubes 14 having their lower endsconnected to the ends of the cylinders behind the pistons, as indicatedat 15, and having their upper ends connected to the upper portion of thetube members II and I2 for passage of any fluid back to the frameworkcontainer which may pass the piston in the cylinder. Rigidly secured tothe bracket 6 on the rear end of the frame is a standard 16 having across head or the like H to which may be secured sleeves l8 and 13 forreceiving the levers 55 and H respectively.

From the foregoing it will be obvious that the entire main frame andloading boom assembly as well as the hydraulically operated fluid systemis carried by the framework attachment embodying my invention forapplication to a tractor or the like.

Operation of the device assembled and constructed as described is asfollows:

After attachment of the brackets 6 and l by cap screws 5 to the rearaxle of the tractor and through bolting of the brackets 8 and 9 to theframe of the tractor at a forward point thereof, the device may beoperated from the seat of the tractor by the operator of the vehicle bymanipulating the levers 55 and 1|. When the device is in the positionshown in Fig. 3 with the bucket assembly shown therein, to fill thebucket 46 with dirt or other heavy material, forward movement of thetractor will'cause the bucket to be filled. To elevate the .bucket fordepositing in the desired place, manipulation of the valve 64 throughlever handle I! will cause flow of fluid from the framework structure topass from the pump 6| through tubes 66, 61 and 68 to the respectivecylinders 32 and 33, thus causing the pistons to move forwardly in thecylinders exerting forward pressure on the horizontal members 2| and 220f the loading boom assembly 3, thus elevating the boom vertically insubstantially a straight line to the position shown in Fig. 4. The latch56 being in engagement in the slot 59 of the strap bar 58 of the rear ofthe bucket will prevent the bucket from tilting during the upward liftthereof. When it is desired to dump the material from the bucket, thelatch 56. is released through manipulation of lever 55 to exert pressureon the arm 5|, thus releasing the latch 56 from engagement. The forwardend of the bucket will then tilt downwardly, as shown in dotted lines inFig. 4, to dump the material therefrom. Spring means (not shown) may beattached in sleeve 51 to provide tension on the latch 56 so that it willreturn to operating engagement with the bucket after release of pressurefrom the lever 55. By further.

manipulation of the valve 64, pressure may be released from the pistonsso that they will retract themselves in the cylinders 32 and 33,- thuslowering the boom to the position shown in Fig. 3 for further operation.

Referring to the form of invention illustrated in Fig. '7, 80 designatesa fork particularly of grapple type adapted for handling of hay, strawor like material. The main frame and loading boom construction is thesame with this form of the invention as previously described, theprincipal difference being in the hay fork and attachment and hydraulicmanipulation of the fork.

BI designates an arm or the like preferably made of tubing materialhaving a cross bar 82 rigidly secured to its lower end connected betweenthe arms- 38 of the yoke 31 by bolts or the like 83. Brace bars 84 and85 having one end rigidly secured to the cross bar 82 and their op ositeends rigidly secured to the boom 8|, as indicated at 86, willlendrigidity to the structure. Secured to the outer end of the arm BI isa head 81, one end thereof carrying a bale 88 for pivotally retainingthe upper ends of the tines 89 of the fork 80, the ends being coiledabout the handle as indicated at 90. Attached to the opposite end of thehead 81 are guy wires 9| and 92 having their opposite ends attached tocars 93 and 94 carried by the cross tube I3 for supporting the arm andfork assembly. Attached to the wire line 92 by wire rings or the like 95is a flexible tube 90 having its outer end connected to a double actingcylinder and piston construction 91 carried by cross arms 98 and 99 bythe tines 09 on the respective sides of the fork 80. The inner end ofthe flexible tube is connected to the pump and valve arrangement asdescribed in connection with the form of invention shown in Figs. 1 to 6inclusive.

In operation of a device constructed and assembled as described, when itis desired to contact the hay or other material to be lifted with thefork, fluid pressure is applied to the cylinder 91 to extend the pistontherefrom so that the tines will pivot on the axle of the handle 88 toopen the fork so that it will grapple the material to be lifted uponlowering of the loading boom. When the tines of the fork are entered inthe hay, manipulation of the double-acting valve will cause the tines tograpple the hay and lift of the boom will raise the load. The device mayalso be operated merely by upward pull on the loading boom through thewires 9| and 92 and release of pressure on the piston and cylinder 91 tocause the tines of the fork to close together, thus grasping thematerial to be lifted. Further upward lift of the boom construction willelevate the material to the desired place for deposit. It will beobvious that a clam shell bucket may be substituted for the hay fork andoperated in the same manner.

Referring to the form of invention shown in Fig. 8, I have particularlyillustrated a device which may be attached to the yoke 31 fortransporting boxes, crates or the like from one place to another. Thedevice particularly consists of a cross tube I carried by the side arm38 of yoke 31' by pin IOI. Rigidly secured to the tube I00 andspaced onefrom the other a suitable distance through cylindrical openings I02therein are a pair of angle irons or the like I03, the lower ends ofwhich constitute prongs I04 having sharpened or tapered ends I00 adaptedto be inserted underneath the crate or box to be transported by forwardmovement of the tractor to which the frame assembly is attached. A mirof upright posts I06 are carried by the cross member I3 of the mainframe construction having a cross bar or tube I06 rigidly securedthereto by welding or other suitable means. Fork members or the like I01may also be welded or otherwise secured to the lower ends of the uprightmembers I06 having their lower ends adapted to engage the cross memberI3. Secured to the upper ends of the angle irons I03 are guy wires I08having their opposite ends secured to the cross bar I00 above theupright members I06. Also secured to the upper ends of the upright postsI06 by bolts or other suitable means are rods Or the like Ill havingtheir rear ends secured to the rear end of the main frame structure, asindicated at I I0, the lower ends of the uprights I00 having pivotalengagement on the cross tube I8.

I also preferably provide latching means for holding the angle irons orbars I03 in rigid position when loaded by providing a cross bar IIIbetween the arms I03 having a strap iron II2 with one end secured to thebar III, as indicated at H3, and its opposite end secured to the bar I00in any suitable manner as by welding or otherwise. The bar H2 isprovided with an opening II4 adapted to receive the latch member 56, asshown in Fig. 8. The latching means shown in this form of invention isthe same as that shown in Fig. 1 and the operation is the same.

In operation of the device shown in this form of the invention, when itis desired to pick up a a box, crate or the like, the prongs I04 of theattachment are forced under the box, crate, or the like by forwardmovement of the tractor. 'Manipulation of the valve 64 by lever 11 willcause fluid pressure to be exerted on the pistons in the cylinders 32and 33 for lifting of the loading boom assembly, as'described' in theform of invention shown in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive. When the box, crateor the like is transported to the desired position, theboom assembly islowered to the desired position and the tractor moved rearwardly todisengage the prong carrying assembly from the load being carried.

Referring to the form of invention shown in Fig. 9, the deviceillustrated is particularly adapted for picking up, stacking or loadinghay and. similar material. The main frame and loading boom assembly withthe upright posts, guy wires and brace bars are the same as illustratedin the invention shown in Fig. 8.

H5 designates a sweep having pivotal connection to an extension arm H0,as indicated at I", with the rear end of the arm connected to the yoke31, as indicated at I I8. The sweep or basket member 'I I5 comprises aseries of transversely spaced and longitudinally extended pickup rakefingers II9 which are secured. at their rear ends to a transverselyextended rigid cross member I20. The forward ends of the fingers aretapered and pointed, as indicated at I2I, so that the device may bemoved along the ground to pick up the hay from the field, such as awindrow or the like. Rear uprights or posts I22 are secured to the crossmember I20 which also may carry a series of rear cross pieces, ifdesired. End pieces I23 are extended forwardly at the ends of the basketguy wires I25 and I26 attached to its respective ends. The guy wires I25are attached to the cross tube member I3, as indicated at I21, and theuy wires I26 are attached to the cross bar I08 carried by upright postsI06. Carried by the upright member I24 isa latching device I28comprising a rod I29 having its outer end adapted to engage and lock thesweep or basket, as indicated at I30, and its inner end provided with acoil spring ISI to provide tension on the rod. The rod carries an anglemember I32 having an arm I33 attached to the angle member and having itslower end pivotally connected to the latch tripping wire 53 as shown inconnection with Fig. 1.

In operation of this form of the invention, the sweep or basket ispropelled along the ground in front of the tractor until the basket isfllled. Manipulation of the valve 6t will supply fluid to the cylinders32 and 33 to extend the pistons in the cylinders and thus exert forwardupward pressure on the loading boom assembly to vertically hoist thebasket carrying the load of material. Continued forward movement of thepiston will cause the device to be elevated to the desired position andas particularly illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 9, in a horizontalposition. Manipulation of the lever 55 will release the latchingmechanism from the basket so that the basket will pivot on the pivot illto dump the load to the desired place.

It will be obvious from the foregoing that I have provided a simple,economical and efficient attachment for a tractor in which the fluidpressure medium may be contained in the framework of the device, thusproviding greater cooling area of the hydraulic fluid, and a device forstraight vertical lift of the load of material, and a device which willexert pressure for forward push from the rear axle of the tractor in astraight line to the bucket or other loading attachment, thuseliminating any strain on the tractor itself in loading of the material.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a device of the character described, a substantially triangularframe truss adapted for attachment to each side of a tractor, bracketsfor securing the frame trusses to the rear axle of the tractor and tothe forward portion of the frame trusses of said tractor, said framebeing constructed of hollow tubing for containing a fluid mediumtherein, a crossbar connecting the upper vertices of said trusses,cylinders including pistons in said cylinders carried by said rear axlebrackets and extending substantially horizontally of said frame trusses,a substantially triangular boom truss articulated to said crossbar andto said pistons in said cylinders, a container carried by said boomtruss, and means carried by said frame trusses for supplying fluidmedium from said frame trusses to said cylinders for raising andlowering said boom truss.

2. In a device of the character described, a frame adapted forattachment to a tractor, said frame comprising substantially invertedV-shaped members on each side of the tractor, a crossbar connecting thetop of said members, brackets for securing the frame to the rear axle ofthe tractor and to the forward portion of the frame of said tractor,said attachment frame being constructed of hollow tubing containing a,fluid medium therein, tubular means connecting the lower portions ofsaid V-shaped members, cylinders including pistons in said cylinderscarried by said rear axle brackets and extending substantiallyhorizontally of said attachment frame, load lifting means pivotallyconnected to said crossbar and to said pistons in said cylinders,material carrying means pivotally carried by the load lifting means. andmeans carried by said attachment frame for supplying fluid medium fromsaid frame to said cylinders for raising and lowering the materialcarrying means.

3. A loading device adapted for attachment to a tractor comprising athree sided frame structure open at the rear end thereof to permit theforward portions of a tractor to'be driven into said frame structure,each of the opposed sides of said frame structure being of generallytriangular configuration with one vertex disposed uppermost, bracketmeans for connecting the rearmost vertex portions of said triangularframe sides respectively to spaced portions of the tractor rear axlehousing, a boom having spaced, parallel arms respectively pivoted attheir rear ends to said uppermost vertices of said triangular framesides, a hydraulic cylinder connected between each boom arm and therespective bracket means, and means for supplying pressured fluid tosaid hydraulic cylinders to lift said boom.

4. For use with a tractor having front and rear axles, an engine mountedabove the front axle and an operator's position located forwardly of therear axle; a loading device comprising a three sided elongated framestructure open at the rear end thereof and having sufllcient width topermit the engine portions of the tractor to be driven into said framestructure for attachment thereto, each of the opposed sides of saidframe structure being of generally triangular configuration with onevertex disposed uppermost, bracket means for connecting the rearmostvertex portions of said triangular frame sides respectively to spacedportions of the tractor rear axle housing, a cross brace rigidlyconnected between said uppermost vertices, the uppermost vertices ofsaid frame structure sides being higher than the tractor engine, saiduppermost vertices being also located to be disposed forwardly of theoperator's position on the tractor, whereby said cross brace clears thetractor engine and the operator during attaching or detachingoperations, a boom having spaced parallel arms respectively pivoted attheir rear ends to said uppermost vertices of said triangular framesides, a hydraulic cylinder connected between each boom arm and therespective bracket means, and means for supplying pressured fluid tosaid hydraulic cylinders to lift said boom.

5. In a loading device, a frame structure adapted for attachment to atractor comprising a pair of generally triangular frame trusses, meansfor mounting said trusses respectively on the sides of a tractor withone vertex thereof adjacent the tractor rear axle and a second vertexuppermost and disposed longitudinally intermediate the front and rearaxles of the tractor, a boom comprising a pair of spaced, parallel,triangular trusses arranged to straddle the front end of the tractor,means for respectively pivoting the rear vertex portions of said boom tosaid second vertices of said frame structure, material handling meansconnected adjacent to the forward vertices of said boom trusses, thethird vertex of each of said boom trusses being disposed beiow the otherboom truss vertices, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between thetractor rear axle and each of said third vertices of said boom trusses.

6. For use with a tractor having front and rear axles, an engine mountedabovethe front axle and an operators position located forwardly of therear axle, a loading device comprising a. three sided elongated framestructure open at the rear end thereof and having suflicient width topermit the engine portions of th tractor to be driven into said framestructure, each of the opposed sides of said frame structure being ofgenerally triangular configuration with one vertex disposed uppermost,bracket means for connecting the rearmost vertex portions of saidtriangular frame sides respectively to spaced portions of the tractorrear axle housing, a cross brace rigidly connected between saiduppermost vertices, the uppermost vertices of said frame structure sidesbeing higher than the tractor engine, said uppermost vertices also beinglocated to be disposed forwardly of the operator's position on thetractor, whereby said cross brace clears the tractor engine and theoperator during attaching or detaching operations, a boom comprising apair of spaced parallel triangular trusses, means for respectivelypivoting the rear vertex portions of said boom to said uppermostvertices of said frame structure, material handling means connectedadjacent to the forward l0 vertices of said boom, the third vertex ofeach of said boom trusses being disposed below the other boom trussvertices, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between said bracket meansand each of said third vertices of said boom trusses.

- JOHN J. SIMMONDS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,001,803 Stephens May 21, 19352,072,111 Keeler Mar. 2, 1937 2,079,695 Patterson May 11, 1937 2,126,791Low Aug. 16, 1938 2,136,417 Downey Nov. 15, 1938 2,268,689 Andrus Jan.6, 1942 2,295,917 Schwan Sept. 15,1942 2,301,102 Werthman et al. Nov. 3,1942 2,304,443 Butler Dec. 8, 1942 2,319,921 Dooley et a1. May 25, 19432,332,742 Mott Oct. 26, 1943 2,334,374 Austin Nov. 16, 1943 2,397,303Vowless Mar. 26, 1946 2,427,461 Johnson Sept. 16, 1947

